Untamed Thailand, A Photo Essay

A traditional Ahka house in ChiangRai, northern Thailand—a popular destination among expats seeking off-the-beaten path serenity.

Phuket Island before the 2004 tsunami hit, wiping out much of the tourist industry.

The ‘Golden Triangle’ in northern Thailand is still full of warmth, smiles, and even opium. While Thailand has been largely successful in controlling opium production within its borders, politics in the Golden Triangle continue to be dictated by the poppy.

In ChiangRai, an Ahka woman carries wood back to her village with the help of her head harness. Most villagers here still use wood as their main source of heat, as well as for cooking and bathing.

While posing for a picture next to an elephant named Goi, this tourist had no idea that she would be swept off her feet —literally.